It's the Month of Malfunctioning Nikes

Via Nike

First Zion...and now, unlucky Android users have noticed something strange with their Nike Adapt BB self-lacing shoes: The shoes wouldn't tie themselves. Since the back-to-the-future-style kicks dropped less than two weeks ago, this might have been record timing for a wardrobe malfunction.

Nike said it’s “actively working” on patching a bug that rendered some sneakers unwearable. But this is about more than seconds saved making two bunny ears—it’s a sign of the times: Non-tech companies have integrated gee-whiz, connectivity-based features into products.

Is Velcro back?

Thought bubble: Right now, some of these brand new smart shoes are dumber than...dumb shoes, which can be worn whenever. Smart shoes can only be worn when the hardware and software actually work.

The lesson: Smart devices bring useful new features, but they have downsides. They’re expensive, pose new security and privacy risks, and demand constant connectivity. Your dumb shoes will never be that needy, and that’s a guarantee.

Reader poll: Bunny ears, bowknot, or velcro?